New TV Spots: ‘Harry Potter’, ‘Cowboys & Aliens’, ‘The Smurfs’

The marketing campaigns for some of this summer’s biggest titles rage on, which means there are new television spots for three pics due to hit the big screen this July – specifically, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Cowboys & Aliens, and The Smurfs.

All three of these titles are technically brand names in the sense that they are based on a massive best-selling novel, a relatively obscure comic book, and a comic strip-turned popular animated 1980s television series, respectively. Anticipation for each project, however, varies greatly.

Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is easily THE movie event of the season for the millions who’ve been watching the Harry Potter film adaptations since Sorcerer’s Stone was released a decade ago. Fast forward to 2011 and now Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) are all grown up and have become soldiers in a war against the forces of the Dark Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes).

Finally, there’s The Smurfs… frankly speaking, the official Smurfs trailer provides all the information you need to know about this new CGI/live-action adaptation of a beloved cartoon. Take it as you will.

Check out the new TV spots for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Cowboys & Aliens, and The Smurfs below:

While it’s the Smurfs television spot that features the most new footage, the Harry Potter and Cowboys advertisements are much better at getting the job done – that is, giving viewers an early look at what they have to offer in terms of awe-inspiring effects, high-octane action, and lots of dramatic bang for their buck.

The Smurfs clip, on the other hand, continues to focus on more adult-oriented humor and pop culture references that will fly over the heads of young moviegoers (and likely annoy the parents forced to go check the movie out in theaters). But at least Smurfs will have plenty of fart, burp, and ham-fisted Katy Perry jokes to keep kids entertained, right? Right?

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 arrives on the scene first, hitting 2D, 3D, and IMAX 3D screens on July 15th. The film will feature the sort of post-conversion 3D that has frustrated some fans, but perhaps the amount of time and money Warner Bros. has invested in the project will ensure that the added dimension only enhances the viewing experience (as looks to be the case with the studio’s Green Lantern movie next month).

Cowboys & Aliens and The Smurfs both hit theaters on July 29th – with the latter being unveiled in both 2D and 3D.

Chances are good you already know which of these movies you’re more likely to be checking out that weekend.